Long-term Exotic Intro: 2010 Lotus Evora

The chief takes home the plastic fantastic.

Some folks look down on the Evora because it shares a V6 with the Toyota Camry. Maybe that's why four-year-old examples with roughly 10,000 miles can be had for around 50K, like the British Racing Green one I picked up.

Sure, the engine's no Ferrari V8. But have you ever noticed what the Camry's packing? Lotus-tuned, that engine approaches 300 hp and sports a 7000-rpm redline. If the need arises, a replacement can be found in junkyards for around $2000. To me, that sounded like a guilt-free pass to whale on the car. So I did, from the moment I picked it up in Atlanta. Naturally, I charged straight for the mountains.

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My route took me along the spine of the Appalachians and up to Watkins Glen in southern New York. I had no real plan, lingering on the less traveled roads that snake back and forth among the region's hollows. I'm still grinning. The Evora is simply brilliant on two-lanes: supple but connected and amply quick, with a linearity to the controls that encourages you to nudge the limits. Interstates are almost unavoidable with any road trip, but that's another reason I chose this car: Unlike Lotus's sharper, smaller Elise, the Evora is reasonably comfortable, even roomy. While it's no S-Class, the touch of cushiness in the chassis removes the hardship of commuting between good roads. There's even cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Purists scoff; I'm in heaven.

I have a few complaints. The factory-installed, aftermarket-grade stereo sounds fine but is nightmarishly illogical. I'll replace it soon. Some of the exterior trim buzzes around 60 mph, and the covers on the door handles seem ready to fall off. Troubling, yes. But sadly not unexpected, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't worth it.